I am a pediatric immunologist working in Santiago , Chile .
Head of Immunology Unit, Luis Calvo Mackenna Children´s Hospital, Santiago Chile.
Head of Immunology Unit Pediatric Department, Clínica Alemana de Santiago.
Associated Professor, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana- Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile.
Jeffrey Modell Foundation Clinical Network coordinator in Chile.
Member of “Comité Asesor en Vacunas y Estrategias de Vacunación (CAVEI)”, Chile (NITAG).
Member of Inborn Errors of Immunity of Hematopoyetic Stem Transplantation for the Chilean Ministry of Health pediatric Hematopoyetic Stem Transplantation.
Member of the Advisor Working Group for Inborn Errors of Immunity for the Chilean Ministry of Health.

Como inmunóloga pediátrica, mi compromiso ha sido siempre mejorar la vida de los pacientes con Errores Innatos de la Inmunidad. Creo firmemente que la educación es una gran herramienta para cumplir este objetivo. Durante mi carrera profesional y académica, he colaborado en diferentes instancias educativas de pre como de post grado tanto universitarias como de diferentes sociedades científicas. Soy miembro de LASID desde sus inicios y he participado activamente en numerosas actividades académicas y de difusión de nuestra Sociedad. He sido parte del Comité de Educación previamente y además, he estado involucrada en varios programas de educación sobre Errores Innatos de la Inmunidad para la comunidad médica de mi país. En estos próximos dos años, en el caso de que consideren mi iniciativa de ser parte del Comité de Educación , fuera de mantener y mejorar las actividades educativas que ya se realizan de forma remota y presencial como webinars, Summer School, Fellowship y LASID Meetings, creo importante incorporar reuniones periódicas para discutir casos clínicos desafiantes ya sea desde el punto de vista de su presentación clinica , diagnóstico o tratamiento estimulando la participación activa de todos los miembros de la comunidad LASID . Creo también necesario , incentivar la cooperación en investigación , sobre todo en algunos tópicos específicos , entre los diferentes grupos de trabajo de Latinoamérica y colaborar activamente con el resto de los comités LASID . En el caso de ser elegida como parte del Comité de Educación me comprometo a trabajar de forma en conjunto con el resto del equipo en todas las iniciativas que el grupo considere importantes y necesarias.

Dear LASID Board and LASID Members,

I write this statement to express my deep interest and enthusiasm for taking on a role within the Education Committee of LASID. I am honored to have the opportunity to contribute to the mission of this esteemed organization and to make a positive impact on the education and knowledge-sharing efforts focused on inborn errors of immunity across Latin America.

Vision:
My vision for the Education Committee is to foster a dynamic and inclusive learning environment, where healthcare professionals, researchers, and students can acquire up-to-date knowledge, enhance their skills, and collaborate effectively in the field of immunodeficiencies. I aim to create a comprehensive educational platform that addresses the needs and challenges faced by the Latin American community working with inborn errors of immunity.

Goals:
1. Maintain and improve the current educational programs: webinars , Summer School , Fellowship and LASID Meeting .
2. Develop and curate other educational resources: I plan to collaborate with fellow committee members to create and curate a wide range of educational resources, including webinars, workshops, e-learning modules, and interactive case studies. These resources will cover various aspects of immunodeficiencies, including diagnostics, management, research, and emerging trends.

3. Increase accessibility and reach: I am committed to ensuring that our educational resources are accessible to healthcare professionals across Latin America. This will involve utilizing digital platforms and considering the diverse needs of our audience. By increasing the reach of our education initiatives, we can create a stronger network of professionals dedicated to improving the care of inborn errors of immunity patients in the region.

4. Foster collaboration and networking: Collaboration is at the heart of advancement in healthcare. I aim to organize networking events, online forums, and opportunities for professionals to share experiences, challenges, and best practices in the field of immunodeficiencies. By facilitating connections among experts, trainees, and researchers, we can encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange of knowledge.

5. Empower the next generation: As part of the Education Committee, I am committed to supporting and engaging with students and trainees interested in immunodeficiencies. I believe in nurturing their passion, promoting mentorship opportunities, and organizing educational programs tailored to their needs. By empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals and researchers, we ensure a bright future for immunodeficiency care in Latin America.

I believe that my strong background in diagnosing and treating Inborn Errors of Immunity patients and my commitment to education and mentorship make me well-suited for this role within the Education Committee. I am excited to contribute my skills, ideas, and expertise towards the continued growth and success of LASID’s educational initiatives.

Thank you for considering my application. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with fellow committee members and contribute to LASID’s mission of advancing the field of immunodeficiencies in Latin America through education.

Sincerely,

Alejandra King MD”

Mi formación en Inmunología pediátrica comenzó en el Hospital Sor Maria Ludovica de la Plata, Argentina en 2019 hasta 2022.
Actualmente continúo trabajando en el hospital bajo supervisión de la Dra. Regairaz.
He participado de LASID Meeting 2021 y 2023. Considero estos encuentros de suma importancia para el desarrollo y actualización de los profesionales. Así como también el registro de pacientes como sociedad latinoamericana.
Me gustaría participar de forma activa dentro de la sociedad y encuentro el comité educativo un espacio de desafío constante y actualización permanente, que requiere un trabajo en equipo de forma organizada y responsable.
Espero cumplir con estos objetivos.
Muchas gracias.

My name is Belén Almejun, Molecular Biologist from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA). I have been a Molecular Biology professor at UBA since 2004. I completed my PhD studies in Primary Immunodeficiencies in 2013. Currently, I am a researcher at CONICET and lead the Functional Immunology Laboratory at UBA.

I believe that my expertise qualifies me to contribute to the development of advanced educational courses in Clinical and Functional Genomics, which are essential for the training of professionals across Latin America. Therefore, I am submitting my candidacy to join the educational committee of LASID.

Estimados miembros de LASID:
Soy Carolina Bouso, inmunóloga pediatra de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Me formé y trabajo en la Universidad de Buenos Aires y en el Hospital Garrahan.
Tengo más de 10 años de experiencia en la docencia universitaria, dando clases de Inmunología a alumnos de pregrado y postgrado.
Me gustaría formar parte del Comité Educativo porque disfruto plenamente del proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje, entendiendo que la docencia es un ida y vuelta fundamental, así como la difusión entre pares y la actualización constante.
Agradezco su consideración.
Saludos cordiales,
Carolina Bouso.

It was during medical school that I decided to specialize in the care and research of primary immunodeficiencies. I graduated in 1998 in Curitiba and began my residency in Pediatrics at UNICAMP, in Campinas. I then did my internship and my master’s degree, followed by my doctorate, under the guidance of Prof. Antonio Condino Neto, still at UNICAMP. Between 2008 and 2012, I did post-doctoral work in Prof. Jean-Laurent Casanova’s laboratory.
In 2012 I returned to Brazil and set up the Clinical Immunology department at the Pequeno Príncipe Hospital in Curitiba. As coordinator of the Rare Disease Genetics research group, I have had the opportunity to mentor undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students since 2013 at the Pelé Pequeno Príncipe Research Institute. Since 2017 I am Director of Translational Medicine at the research institute, with the mission of tightening the links between clinical practice and basic science, fostering innovation in healthcare.

Throughout this time, the Latin American Society of Immunodeficiencies has played an important role in my training, in sharing experiences and in my growing knowledge of Inborn Errors of Immunity. I am presenting my candidacy for the Educational Committee with the aim of working with the other members to organize and carry out educational activities and interact with other societies to promote the dissemination of knowledge and contribute to the training and improvement of Latin American immunologists so that we can contribute to the quality of life of Inborn Errors of Immunity patients.

Hola a todos soy la Dra. Elma Fuentes, Pediatra, Alergóloga- Inmunológa y alta especialidad en Errores Innatos de la Inmunidad.
Pertenezco a los miembros de LASID JUNIOR desde el 2022 y desde que soy miembro de esta sociedad he tenido experiencias maravillosas.
He aprendido de grandes profesores y también he aprendido de muchos de mis compañeros, también he conocido a personas que comparten el mismo interés por los errores innatos de la inmunidad y esto es algo muy emocionante.
La labor que cumplen cada uno de los integrantes de LASID es sumamente valiosa para continuar promoviendo los Errores Innatos de la Inmunidad sobre todo en las nuevas generaciones, cada día se conocen mas defectos asociados con estas enfermedades, por lo que es vital que se sigan promoviendo para que no pasen desapercibidas. Considero que al formar parte de este Comité podremos promover programas y encontrar redes de apoyo para que se sigan promoviendo estas enfermedades e invitar e integrar a mas jóvenes a formar parte de esta sociedad.

I am Mexican, a pediatrician and clinical allergist-immunologist with a particular interest in primary immunodeficiency disorders. I pursued an MSc in Gene Therapy and Cell Therapy in London, England. Since 2016, I have worked at the National Institute of Pediatrics in Mexico as a researcher affiliated with the Laboratory of Research in Immunodeficiencies (JMF Center) and as a physician attached to the Clinical Immunology Service since 2021. I actively collaborate on research projects and clinical care for pediatric patients with Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders.
I am also actively involved in academic activities for my country’s undergraduate and postgraduate medical training. Over the years, I have had the opportunity and honor to actively participate in our Society, serving on the Registry Committee and as part of the Organizing Committee for LASID Congresses in recent years. I have always been learning from mentors and colleagues from Latin America.
It is a pride to belong to LASID, and I would like to continue participating and contributing to the advancement of our Society, especially in improving the diagnosis and treatment of primary immunodeficiency disorders in our region. On this occasion, I would like to apply to participate in the Education Committee; academic and educational activities for our entire community are fundamental to improving the timely diagnosis and treatment of primary immunodeficiency disorders. Specifically, I believe that developing educational activities for young immunologists and fostering interaction among LASID members is crucial. I think I have sufficient experience and enthusiasm to contribute to this Committee or any other if the Central Directive and LASID members consider it appropriate.”

My name is Ricardo Zwiener, an Allergist/Immunologist, Health Educator, Speaker, Author, Reviewer, Researcher, Advisor, and Patient Advocate from Argentina. With two decades of specialized expertise in Internal Medicine and Clinical Allergology and Immunology, I am an accomplished researcher, health educator, speaker, and author.
As an Allergist and Clinical Immunologist at the Hospital Universitario Austral for over 20 years, I have honed skills in communication, consultancy, and analysis in the field of allergy and immunology. My experience ranges from reviewing in the allergy and immunology field for the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI) and the World Allergy Organization (WAO), I am dedicated to upholding excellence and quality in research and review.to leadership as the Director of the Drug Allergy Committee at the Argentine Association of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (AAAeIC). I am an active member of the Latin American Society of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and contribute to committees focused on rare diseases, such as Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) and drug allergies.

Interest in Becoming a Committee Member:
My interest in joining LASID’s Scientific Education Committee stems from my strong commitment to evidence-based medicine and patient-centered approaches. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated strong decision-making abilities and effective communication skills. My active involvement in reviewing and committee leadership showcases my dedication to excellence in research and patient care. As a committee member, I aspire to bring my diverse expertise and foster open and empathetic dialogue. I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with LASID in advancing scientific education and promoting excellence in the field of allergology and immunology in Latin America.

Sou médica pediatra alergista/imunologista, fiz minha residência em Alergia/Imunologia no Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto – USP e em seguida fiz meu doutorado em Ciências da Saúde pela mesma instituição. Atualmente atendo em Cascavel – Paraná, minha terra natal, depois de muitos anos fora, decidi retornar para próximo da minha família. Mantenho atendimentos em consultório e faço plantões em UTI pediátrica, ainda não estou vinculada a Universidade, mas isto está nos meus planos futuros.
Meu interesse pelos erros inatos de imunidade iniciou durante minha residência de pediatria, e quanto mais estudava, mais me apaixonava. A ideia de ser quase um detetive do sistema imune me fascinava, e a possibilidade de conseguir mudar o destino dos pacientes caso o diagnóstico fosse precoce era fascinante.
Naqueles anos decidi fazer meu trabalho de conclusão de residência com investigação das então “imunodeficiências”, entretanto nosso hospital era muito mais assistencial do que acadêmico e poucos profissionais se interessavam pelo assunto. Assim começamos um trabalho intenso de educação sobre os erros inatos de imunidade, associado a divulgação de tabelas de valores de imunoglobulina e discussão de casos. Foi um trabalho árduo, mas gerou frutos, fizemos alguns diagnósticos e conseguimos mudar a maneira que os profissionais enxergavam os erros inatos de imunidade. Já não faço parte do serviço, mas sei que muitos médicos já fazem triagem inicial e chamam, com muito mais frequência, a equipe da Imunologia. Essa evolução foi o melhor resultado do meu TCR.
Durante minha formação como alergista, distanciei-me um pouco dos erros inatos de imunidade e acabei desenvolvendo uma linha de pesquisa em Dermatite Atópica. Todavia, a paixão por essas doenças sempre esteve ali, e eventualmente ressurgia. Ao retornar para casa passei a receber diversos casos e conduzir muitos deles, lembrando-me do quanto gostava dessa área.
Apesar de boa parte da minha linha de pesquisa localizar-se na Dermatite Atopia e na Imunoterapia, ao saber da convocação de novos membros do LASID, quis tentar me inscrever, minha principal intenção é aprender ainda mais e me aperfeiçoar. Por isso escolhi o comitê educacional, nada melhor para aprender ainda mais do que ensinar aos outros, sejam eles profissionais médicos ou pacientes. Vejo grande potencial no trabalho com pacientes, estabelecendo um canal de orientações e informação segura.
Ademais é excelente oportunidade para divulgar os EII, ainda tão desconhecidos em muitos lugares.